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At the mercy of her enemy!
Abducted by Saxon outlaws, Constance Arnaud comes face-to-face with Aelric, a Saxon boy she once loved. He’s now her enemy, but Constance must reach out to this rebel and persuade him to save her life as she once saved his...
Aelric is determined to seek vengeance on the Normans who destroyed his family. Believing Constance deserted him, he can never trust her again. Yet, as they are thrown together and their longing for each other reignites, will Aelric discover that love is stronger than revenge?
‘We loved each other once, didn’t we?’ she asked in a whisper.
‘Did we? What did we know about love?’ The corner of his mouth twitched. ‘We were barely more than children, just waking up to what our bodies sought.’
It had been love to her, and to hear him dismiss it as nothing more than the lust all men felt cracked her heart. She swallowed down her grief and continued with her plan.
‘What does your heart want now?’ Constance whispered. ‘What does your body want?’
She reached a hand to his chest, spreading her fingers wide. She felt his intake of breath, saw the pulse at his throat quicken. His hand sought her waist, tugging her closer until they were face to face. He bared his teeth in a grimace that might have been passion or hatred.
‘I want you,’ he growled. ‘But this will not end well. It can’t.’
His voice had an edge to it she had not heard before, but which spoke of danger. She knew then that she had him.
After the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 there was a period of rebellion that lasted until 1069. This resulted in William’s retribution, known as the Harrying of the North. Men escaped across the borders into Scotland or Wales, returning to fight their oppressors and carry out raids. Additionally, many of the barons appointed by William saw the uncertain times as an opportunity to increase their own land and status.
Dispossessed Saxons who refused to submit to their oppressors took refuge in the forests of England. They became known as ‘silvatici’ or ‘wildmen’. Among the most well-known were Hereward the Wake and Eadric the Wild, both of whom eventually reached peace with their new rulers and were pardoned. It is these men and others like them who are my basis for Aelric.
This story takes place in Cheshire. Hamestan is the name given in the Domesday Book to the Hundred that covers the area where I now live. Readers wishing to investigate the locations that inspired me should search for Alderley Edge, Mow Cop, Lud’s Church and The Roaches. Thanks go to my husband and children for accompanying me on frequent muddy walks.
As always, each of my books has a song. This time it was ‘It’s All Coming Back to Me Now’. The best version, in my opinion, is by Pandora’s Box.
The Saxon Outlaw’s Revenge
Elisabeth Hobbes
ELISABETH HOBBES grew up in York, where she spent most of her teenage years wandering around the city looking for a handsome Roman or Viking to sweep her off her feet. Elisabeth’s hobbies include skiing, Arabic dance and fencing—none of which has made it into a story yet. When she isn’t writing she spends her time reading, and is a pro at cooking while holding a book! Elisabeth lives in Cheshire with her husband, two children and three cats with ridiculous names.
Books by Elisabeth Hobbes
Mills & Boon Historical Romance
Falling for Her Captor
A Wager for the Widow The Blacksmith’s Wife The Saxon Outlaw’s Revenge
Visit the Author Profile page at millsandboon.co.uk.
To Laura and Tim,
for endless speculation about what was in the box.
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